Private Tour to Normandy
Excursion to Normandy:
This is an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the picturesque region of France, which is famous for its natural beauty, rich history and unique culture. France, despite its compact size, surprises with a variety of places to travel. Everyone who wants to get to know the country better should go to Normandy, a place where even the sky changes its colors from soft blue to smoky gray, and the green expanses inspire artists and travelers from all over the world.
Description of the region
Normandy is a historical area where every bush keeps the secrets of the last century. Tourists love to come here and walk around the picturesque surroundings. Recently, newlyweds want to spend not only their honeymoon here, but also to celebrate the most important day in their lives – their wedding. Here you can not only have a good and healthy rest, but also taste the famous Calvados, Benedictine liqueur and the most delicious cheeses in the world.
The main cities of Normandy
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Rouen is the cradle of French Gothicism
It is better to start acquaintance with the romantic French region from the capital – the city of Rouen.
Since ancient times, this settlement was considered the center of the entire Duchy of Normandy. It was founded by the Gauls. The first references to it are known from the times of the Roman Empire.
The walls of this city have seen a huge number of events, both joyful and tragic. It was once the place where Joan of Arc, the virgin of Orleans, was executed, and then there were terrible air attacks during World War II. But the city was saved.
It seems that almost nothing has changed here since that time. A lot of narrow streets that intertwine like snakes, old houses and Gothic churches. And next to all this beauty are modern boutiques, and on the roads drive not carriages, but new cars.
Once every 4 years, the Norman capital witnesses and participates in the sailing armada. And this event is definitely worth seeing.
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Honfleur is a port with a centuries-old maritime history
Another Normandy town that is a must-see is Honfleur. It can be considered the cradle of Impressionism because of the great painters Monet, Bodin, Coubre and Jokind.
The city not only has a lot of attractions, but also a beautiful harbor. It is never empty, there are snow-white sailing ships and old fishing boats. Every Norman tries to decorate his ship with paintings.
Honfleur is popularly known as the antique capital. Lovers of antiquity and everything unusual should definitely look into the Old Quarter. Here are preserved ancient docks with a century-old history, salt warehouses. But the St. Catherine’s Church, which is entirely made of wood, deserves special attention.
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Trouville is a resort paradise
Trouville is one of the resort towns. Until the end of the 19th century, it could not be called a town, and even a resort. Fishermen lived here and were engaged in fishing. Tourists came here much later, when beach vacations became fashionable.
Parisians love to come here with their families and spend their weekends on the beach with fine and warm sand. There is a huge number of hotels, and on the beach you can stay in a camping lot.
But it is not only beach vacations that attract tourists. A walk through the alleys and narrow streets of the town can be called the most romantic. This town makes you fall in love with yourself at first sight.
Trouville has something for everyone. Here you can stroll through the stores and sit in quiet restaurants. And about the fish market is not worth talking about, you can buy everything you want. And most importantly, all products are fresh and inexpensive. It is the same as it was many centuries ago.
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Deauville Resort – a resort for a select few, the first stop of the Paris-Normandy tour
Deauville can easily be confused with Trouville. But it is mainly wealthy Frenchmen and guests of France who vacation here.
Coco Chanel opened this town for tourists. And since then, people come here not only to sunbathe in the sun, but also to get acquainted with the local sights.
In Deauville you can meet famous jazz singers and find yourself at the Swing Festival, watch a parade of convertibles and improve your health.
What car are we driving?
Driving like aesthetes: our Mercedes V-Class with leather interior, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and water accompanies you on your way to the stunning landscapes of Normandy. With a capacity of six people, you can relax while we take them to the picturesque coasts and historic towns. With this kind of transportation, even the road becomes a pleasure!
History of the region
Normandy and all the surrounding lands have always been of interest to conquerors. Back in the 10th century, the Vikings conquered these lands and then went on to conquer England.
This beautiful province has always been a tidbit, but despite this. The Normans managed to preserve the beauty of the region.
England claimed the region from France for a long time. Only after the end of the Hundred Years’ War, the province finally passed to the French. But the English did not rest easy and tried more than once to reclaim the beautiful and rich region.
In 1944, Canadian, British and American troops landed in Normandy. This was an important event as the Allies opened a second front.
Attractions
You can get to know the history of the region through its famous sights. And there is plenty to see in Normandy.
There is no need to talk about the nature of this region, it is beautiful. But this place is also famous for its architectural monuments, which are thousands of years old. For example, in Rouen there is a lot of architecture made in the Gothic style. You can walk through the medieval quarters, and the atmosphere will allow you to be transported to that time and feel like a resident of the ancient Norman capital.
Rouen Cathedral of Our Lady of Rouen 
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Rouen is a landmark of the whole of France. The architectural monument is built in the Gothic style and looks elegant and solemn.
It was built about seven centuries and if you look at the architecture, you can see the features of Romanesque style.
Tourists know this place thanks to the great impressionist Monet. He depicted the temple on almost 50 canvases, and in each one it was portrayed in a different way.
During the existence of the temple it was rebuilt and completed many times. The archbishop’s palace can also be considered a large-scale extension. During the Second World War the temple was very badly damaged and had to be rebuilt from scratch, but the architects managed it and now we can visit this majestic building and admire its decoration.
Old Market Square
Tourists love to visit the place where Joan of Arc was executed. And this sad event occurred on May 30, 1431 in the Old Market Square. A young girl was burned in front of the eyes of all of Rouen. According to legend, the fire of judgment did not touch the heart of the young beauty. Her ashes were scattered over the Seine, and her hot heart was thrown into its waters.
As time passed, the girl was found innocent and ordained a saint. On this day, unmarried French girls come to the banks of the Seine and throw flowers into the water.
On the square itself, the place of execution was marked with a cross and everyone can come and see where it took place. The cross was made of stone slabs. The place where the judges sat was marked with white stones.
In 1979, a church in honor of the Virgin of Orleans was built on the square. The construction was carried out by architect Louis Arretsch. Its shape is very unusual and attracts the attention not only of tourists from all over the world, but also of world-famous architects.
Walking through the old town center is a pleasure. There are still some old houses here. You can have lunch in one of the most famous and oldest restaurants in France, “La Couronne”.
Private tour Paris-Normandy
from anywhere in Paris
12 hours
- 08:55 – Meet your guide in the hotel lobby.
- 09:00 – departure to Normandy.
- 11:00 – Arrival in Deauville, the most chic balneal resort in Normandy. stroll through the city center with access to the city’s promenades-beaches washed by La Manche.
- 12:00 – transfer to Honfleur – medieval port city, city of flowers and impressionists, lunch. Restaurant reservations are made in advance, after coordination with you. Tasting of local spirits in an old cellar (cider, calvados…). The tasting is free of charge for our guests. Tasting of the elite Normandy Calvados Boulard is available on request. Paid extra.
- 13:30 – walk around Honfleur, visit St. Catherine’s Church (the largest wooden church in western Europe).
- 14:45 – Transfer to Rouen, the capital of Normandy.
- 16:00 – visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Rouen and the Old Market Square, the place where Joan of Arc was executed. A walk through the ancient city center.
- 18:00 – departure to Paris.
- 20:00 – Arrival at the hotel.
To get to know Normandy better book a tour in “Metropol Voyage“.
A tour of the Loire Valley castles will be remembered for a lifetime. Russian-speaking guide will tell you in detail about the history of the region and each castle. Ticket to the castle is paid separately.
The mini-trip takes one day. During this time you can get acquainted with three beautiful castles:Chenonceau,AmboiseandChambord.
We only offer a rough outline of the tour, you can include the restaurants and stores you wish to visit.
Enjoy your trip!
Recommended visit:
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